16 Social Housing Apartments in the Polvorí Neighbourhood
– Residential

16 Social Housing Apartments in the Polvorí Neighbourhood – Residential

Situated in a 1960’s social housing neighbourhood built on the slopes of Barcelona’s Montjuic mountain, the project for 16 social housing apartments responds to the brief with a clear and coherent architecture that is respectful of the surroundings. It seeks the best design possible for a tight site and programme whilst abstaining from formalisms or mannerisms.

The apartments are arranged ensuring the best views of the landscape between the existing buildings; the north-east corner looks towards both the city and the Collserola mountains.

A system of louvres allows the apartments to soften and control the views, as well as providing privacy from the exterior. The ground floor apartments are raised slightly above street level to guarantee their privacy from passers-by.

The project incorporates passive systems of eco-efficiency and sustainability.

All apartments have cross-ventilation across their main spaces. By placing four apartments per storey and the living areas at the corners of the east and west facades, all 16 dwellings enjoy the maximum number of direct sunlight hours despite the proximity of the surrounding buildings and the orientation of the block.

The main part of the construction is prefabricated or dry-mounted and is composed of highly contrasting materials and technologies.